48 Laws of Power: Law #22 Use The Surrender Tactic: Transform Weakness Into Power

Law 22:Use the surrender tactic: transform weakness into power

When you’re weaker, never fight just for honor but surrender

Do not give them the satisfaction to win, surrender

Turn the other cheek to infuriate them

The idea here is to pick your battles, like several of the other laws. If you know you’re dealing with a stronger opponent that 99/100 times will beat you on whatever battlefield you’re fighting on, a lost battle doesn’t mean the war is over. Surrender, observe, train, get better, and strike when you’re more capable and ready.

Flipside: If you’re dealing with a weaker opponent that has everything to gain whilst you have everything to lose , then on the off chance they show you up/win it’s better not to give them the opportunity to siphon your power. Taking unnecessary risks out of ego is the worst thing a Machiavellian can do, don’t entertain an upstart just because they’ve called you a name or lashed out at your ego. Show self-restraint. “Lions care not for the opinions of sheep.” You can only control others when first you learn to master yourself. It is better to ignore upstarts and let your following do the dirty work for you rather than lay into your challengers yourself. Remember the law – keep your hands clean.